While I cannot recall the year, I am certain the first time I heard that expression came from my father. I do not recall if those wise words were directed at me or at my siblings or was in reference to some general situation, but I learned early in life how highly he valued and taught us about integrity and character. Most of the transgressions I committed in my more than just mischievous youth were usually pardoned in our home with moderate degrees of punishment, but lying was unforgivable. On more than one occasion, I was guilty as charged and leaned that “the sin of omission” was just another lie. Instead of citing a personal incident as an example, I point to the sins of omission from two current Supreme Court justices as an example. They should have divulged the gifts received.
So yes, the truth will out. Here are just a few of the many expressions we know containing the word truth. With good reason, there are many.
Truth be told.
God’s honest truth.
The moment of truth.
The truth hurts.
The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
And, my particular favorite:
…the truth will set you free… John 8:32
I learned early on that carrying a lie only leads to guilt and shame. Coming clean is weight lifted and a chance for redemption. Unfortunately, all too often we just witness deflection, obfuscation and sins of omission rather than facing the music. Whatever happened to being accountable?
As I am no master of words, I bow to John Lennon’s lyrics in his protest song, Gimme Some Truth, since they are appropriate now more than ever.
Gimme Some Truth
I’m sick and tired of hearing things
From uptight, short-sighted, narrow-minded hypocrites
All I want is the truth
Just give me some truth
I’ve had enough of reading things
By neurotic, psychotic, pig-headed politicians
All I want is the truth
Just give me some truth
No short-haired, yellow-bellied, son of Tricky Dicky
Is going to Mother Hubbard soft soap me
With just a pocketful of hope
Money for dope
Money for rope
Oooh oh
I’m sick to death of seeing things
From tight-lipped, condescending, mama’s little chauvinists
All I want is the truth
Just give me some truth, now
I’ve had enough of watching scenes
With schizophrenic, egocentric, paranoiac, prima-donnas
All I want is the truth, now-now
Just give me some truth
All I want is the truth, now
Just give me some truth, now
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Thank you for reminding us of these wonderful lyrics by John Lennon. So perfect for the disastrous times we find ourselves in today. I used to believe in the old saying “This too will pass.” Not so sure anymore.
In this perspective-splintered world, where everyone’s view is the right view, it’s hard to determine if and where absolute truth lies anymore. But accountability, that’s easier. You know it when you see it. And you sure know it when it’s not there.
Accepting and dealing with the truth will get us 90% of where we need to be in this country.
Thanks Richard! I too believe that the truth will out. And while it is hard to watch the head of our great country lie and try to destroy truth, I trust in our people to see truth in the end.
Amen.
Thank you for this, Richard. A reminder that some things in time just don’t change. Sadly in this case. I had forgotten about this song and am glad to be reminded of it and will go and listen to it again! Here’s to the truth and the hope that someone will tell us the truth!
Wonderful song…it was relevant then and it’s still relevant. Another reminder by Peter Paul & Mary..”When will we ever learn…when will we ever learn.”
I suggest as important as being truthful is a commitment to accept personal responsibility.
Prior to the launch of D-Day, then General and later two term President Dwight Eisenhower spoke with a group of Americans as they faced an uncertain outcome on the largest amphibious military effort in history.
Eisenhower said: “Soldiers, sailors and airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force! You are about to embark upon a great crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you.”
As he spoke, he also had a handwritten note in his pocket that he wrote in the event D – Day failed.
It read simply: “Our landings in the Cherbourg-Havre area have failed to gain a satisfactory foothold and I have withdrawn the troops, “My decision to attack at this time and place was based on the best information available. The troops, the air, and the navy did all that bravery and devotion to duty could do. If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt it is mine alone.”
No excuses, no finger pointing no shifting or sharing blame even though there were countless others involved in the planning and execution of D – Day.
That was great leadership then and the kind we desperately need and deserve today.
Thanks, David.
Sadly, demand far outstrips supply.
Thanks, David.
Sadly, demand outstrips supply.
Man oh man…just to have a tiny bit of that sort of integrity right now would be a Godsend.